Phyllis Diller was, without a doubt, a comedy legend and a trailblazer. In order to support her family in the 1950’s, she went to work as an advertising copywriter. She was encouraged to go into stand-up after others spotted her flair for comedy.

(Diller) “You know, when you’re new, and you’re not known and you’re not famous, everybody’s an expert but you.”

She formed a close friendship with Bob Hope that took Diller on tour to Vietnam.

(Hope) “Yeah, they’ve been in the jungle too long.”

Over the years, Phyllis Diller headlined virtually everywhere in the United States and all around the world, but she never felt it was rough being a woman in the business.

(Diller) “Either you’re funny or you aren’t. If you’re funny, they have to laugh – how can they help themselves?”